Sushi and rolls: types and features, what is the difference

Crown dishes of Japanese cuisine - sushi and rolls - have become an integral part of the diet of Europeans. Simple to prepare and nutritious dishes have come to the taste of lovers of rice, fish and seafood. However, not every gourmet sees the difference in sushi and rolls, when there are several types of them. All of them have characteristic features. Let's understand the differences between sushi and rolls.

What is sushi

In the original pronunciation of “sushi” sounds “sushi”. The Japanese from ancient times called so preparations of fish. Rice was used as a preservative, so no one ever thought of eating it. Rice was needed to preserve the main product: fish pieces were sprinkled with salt and mixed with cereals, and then all this was placed under a stone press.

Thanks to the fermentation process, it was possible to preserve the freshness and flavor of the fish for a year. Over time, the groats became an integral part of the delicacy. Rice was subjected to special treatment and salt, sugar and special vinegar were added to the product. Fish was served practically raw. The food was so loved by both Japanese and tourists that sushi began to be produced on an industrial scale.

Modern sushi is a flatbread of rice on which a piece of fish is placed. Fixing the miniature construction is a strip of nori seaweed. There are several varieties of sushi:

• Nigirizushi.
• Tamakizushi.
• Okizduzushi.
• Naredzushi.

Nigirizushi is the most popular variant of sushi in Japanese restaurants and eateries. The making of the dish is characterized by its simplicity. The sushi maker makes a flatbread out of sticky rice, adds a drop of spicy wasabi, and lays fish, shrimp, or crab meat on top.

Temakizushi can easily be eaten with your hands, and the specialty of this type of sushi is the conical shape. Inside the nori, the filling is generously placed. It is the largest type of sushi in their entire classification. The standard length is 10 centimeters.

Okizushi is a real work of art. The treat attracts with its bright appearance. Rice is pressed, and the fish is laid on it - this is how it was stored in the old days, and the groats were thrown away. Nowadays, the product is allowed to be eaten whole.

Narezushi is a retro variety. To taste such a treat, you will have to wait at least six months until the fermentation process is complete, but it is worth it. Those who are interested in the history of Japanese cuisine should definitely try narezushi.

What are rolls

The name itself indicates that the method of twisting is used in the manufacture of the product. Indeed, rolls are rolls of whole sheets of seaweed, and the filling of rice, fish, seafood, cheese and other ingredients is inside. In this case, we are talking about “nori maki”. If a sheet of seaweed is placed inside, and the top of the product is covered with sesame seeds or caviar, it is “uro maki”.

Other types of rolls have these features:

• Hosomaki is called a thin roll. It usually contains two types of fillings. One serving usually includes 6 pieces.
• Futomaki are large rolls. In addition to fish and seafood, there may be mushrooms, vegetables, and combinations of ingredients inside the seaweed shell and rice layer.
• Guntan maki is also called a “warship roll”. The rice is shaped and wrapped with seaweed. The filling of each piece is varied. It can be as traditional fish and seafood, and caviar, avocado and cream cheese.

There are also warm rolls. They are baked or fried. This is an option for those who do not like to eat raw fish. Vegetarian rolls are made only of vegetables and rice with sauce. Everyone will find sushi or rolls to suit their tastes.